The Bloomfield River

Numerous rainforest creeks and the mighty Roaring Meg creek merge in the hills and cascade over the rock formation to form at the base of the beautiful Bloomfield River; so named after Lt Blomfield of the 5th Regiment by Phillip Parker King whilst charting the inside passage of the Great Barrier Reef in 1817-18.

The River then passes over the old crossing and under the new bridge at the local Aboriginal community of Wujal Wujal which means 'many falls'. The river has special significance to the original peoples of this area.

After passing round the bend at the island which in the early 1900s was a home in the dry season to locals and others working on the boats in the pearling and trochus shell industries. Granite Creek then runs in to increase the flow adding more seeds and other debris from the rainforest.

The river then rounds the bend at the 'horse crossing' so named for the shallow rock ford that spans almost the complete width. This has been a home for large crocodiles over the years.

The river continues along beside the gabion baskets which retain the road. It is here that it meets another feeder creek by the name of Woobada and is an anchorage for one of our local fishermen who has lived in this area for many years. This same creek crosses the coast road on the way to Cape Tribulation.

Further downstream passing another timber vessel that has ridden out many floods, the river forks to form another island mostly of mangroves. After which it comes to the old sawmill site with private wharf remnants still intact.

Next we come to the concrete ramp which is used by locals and visitors as a launching facility when boating (all tide access). Mobile phone coverage is here and it common to see travelers stopping to check messages or making a quick call.

Downstream of the ramp is the old wharf now owned by the Bloomfield Lodge, and a small public landing facility where in the late 1800s they loaded sugar onto sailing vessels heading south to Brisbane. This area is used by locals from the south side to access by boat the shop and cafe located in the township of Ayton where you can buy almost anything you require, as well as a tasty meal.

Further downstream the river comes to its 'mouth' where a series of sand bars block the entrance to deep drafted vessels. Even shallow draft vessels require local knowledge and a degree of care to pass safely out into the waters of the bay.

Weary Bay Beach

Take a stroll down to beautiful Weary Bay beach and enjoy the tranquility offered by this remote piece of coast land.

This is a 'bush beach' without the bitumen car parks and concrete pathways, where you can look from one end to the other and on most days not see another soul.

You will probably see some red-bills foraging on the shore line, and in the evening and early morning flocks of Torres Straight pigeons flying between the mainland where they come to feed during the day and their nesting grounds at Hope Islands.

Eagle rays, dolphins and if you are lucky turtles are also regularly seen on early morning walks. Sunrise and sunset are perfect times for panoramic photos as the rainforest hills in the backdrop are lit by the colorful rays from the rising or setting sun.

When you look out to sea and the coast you are looking into history as the view has changed little in the time of European settlement and even beyond into the dreaming of the local Indigenous peoples.

Close your eyes take a deep breath and imagine what viewpoint in time you want to embrace then let your imagination take over.Or have a brisk walk and let the negative ions in the air coming off the ocean invigorate your body.

Be careful not to jump in however, as you might come face to face with one of our local inhabitants that would like to eat you !! (swimming is best done in the freshwater creeks, out on the reef or islands).